POV.HD Advanced Point-of-View 1080pHD Recorder (Black)

I initially chose this camera because of its singular place in the `wearable camera' market and by that I mean a camera that produces stellar video and is at the same time inconspicuous during use. Frankly, if you don't fancy walking about with an electronic appliance strapped to your hat there are currently few other options. There are smaller, more agile, and certainly less expensive movie cameras that will take a good deal of abuse but a couple of key features set this product apart: the ability to tag sections of a recording, an external microphone, and a remote control to make it all work when the recorder is tucked away in a pocket.

Having outlined its distinguishing features I must add the customer support received from V.I.O. has, surprisingly, been a complete annoyance. The camera arrived with an SD card not recommended for use (per their Web site) and with a noticeable scratch on the camera head. When this was brought to their attention, they indicated the SD will work fine and if I wanted the camera head replaced I would be responsible for shipping. I was more taken aback than angry since this is their flagship product and sold at a premium price. As I say, the video is quite good but whether you wish to deal with a company having this perspective on customer service is up to you. Given the camera's normal usage, you may well be forced to rely on them one day. I like the camera and have decided to keep it but I wouldn't buy it again. In summary, have you seen the GoPro?

Just received this bad-boy from VIO. I have been a long time (3 year) user of the POV.1 system. I use this for shifter kart racing. I have always loved the POV.1, but I was really excited about the POV.HD just due to the 1080p high definition recording modes.

I tried this unit for the first time today and it is a HUGE step up over the POV.1 and POV.1.5

The video is insanely clear in 1080p 30 frames per second, and the microphone is much improved. The recording unit is still larger than I'd like, but this is, in my opinion, the best helmet camera system on the market, no question. Viewing video on the LCD is excellent and the interface is improved as well.

It's more expensive than the contour and GoPro units for sure, but it also beats those units in video and audio quality. If you can afford it, it's the best there is.

Still, despite the drawbacks of the large-ish recording unit, this baby get's 5 stars.

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First off, it's worth noting that none of my problems are related to the Amazon Seller. The order arrived quickly and as advertised. The problem I have with the product is strictly related to the manufacturer.

The unit operated correctly for three day trips on a UTV. On the fourth trip it stopped recording loops and the loop counter was acting without logic. Sent back twice for the same problem and it's still not fixed, nor do I have it back in my possesion. I have asked for a replacement unit but the manufacturer isn't responding. At one point I was told in writing that "We are thinking it may be a firmware issue that your are experiencing. We plan to address this issue in the next firmware release. I do not have any time schedule I can give you however at the present time on when it will be complete." I have asked the manufacturer for a refund as I have lost interest in owning anything POV VIO manufactures and supports.

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I got this recorder because it was the only POV recorder that lets me see exactly what I'm recording as I'm recording it. Moreover, users have reported significant reliability and firmware problems with products by ContourHD.

My device came with firmware version 1.17c, which was the latest available on the website at the time.

The included 4GB class 4 card works fine for recording video at both 1080p 30fps and 720p 60fps. It obviously is too small. I briefly tested this device with my Lexar 128GB SDXC card, and it worked. I first formatted the card using the device. I then recorded video. I was able to play back the video using both the card and my computer. I haven't filled this new card much yet, but over time I will.

VIO Customer Care stated that SDXC cards are not supported because they were observed to not work 100% reliably with the device. They said that you might be able to record with such cards, but you might get invalid clips from time to time, and the write speed may be off. Personally I could find no problem at all with it, recording at 1080p 30fps.

I am currently using Sanyo Eneloop XX NiMH batteries, along with a Maha charger. As of the date of this review, when it comes to AA batteries, you simply can't do better than this. I however have yet to make the device use one full battery cycle.

I did once get an error stating that card size or speed was unacceptable, but changing the batteries fixed it. I will see if this happens again.

You can get a 12v power adapter by VIO from the helmetcameracentral website if you search for "PWR-VIO-POVCAR". I've yet to get it. Per VIO Customer Care, it'll work with this device.

It is just not optimal to record video wearing this on the left or right side of your head. If you do this, part of your head will be recorded due to the wide-angle nature of the lens. I prefer wearing it on top of my head, affixed to a black cap using two black 8" cable ties. At first my head felt a bit heavy with it on top, but I soon got used to it.

When driving at night on a dark road, even with exposure set to its max possible value of +3, the video recording quality is very poor with the video being too dark. I don't know how this compares with other camcorders, however.

I wish the the device was smaller. When I compare it with my compact Sony Cybershot DSC-TX100V camera which records 1080p at 60fps, I can see no reason why this device has to be so bulky.

Be aware that some states have eavesdropping and similar laws against recording video and/or audio. For example, in my horrible state of Illinois, if I record _audio_ of a police officer, I can get a felony and 15 years. If I record the audio of another person without their consent, I can still get a felony and many years. As retarded as these laws are and as corrupt as their lawmakers are, we have to be aware of them. Google is your best friend. Search for eavesdropping and/or wiretapping laws for your state, and for "War on Cameras".

I will update this review if I have something to add.

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Purchased this camera for an Afghanistan tour. Worked great, battery life was good, video quality was excellent. Unfortunately it was on the seat of a truck that hit an IED. No more camera:( no complaints though!

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